"Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Academic Innovation and Faculty Excellence"

Job Details

Position Summary :

The Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Academic Innovation and Faculty Excellence (AVPAA) provides senior academic leadership and operational oversight in support of the university’s academic mission, with primary responsibility for academic quality assurance, faculty development, accreditation and assessment, faculty evaluation processes, and continuous improvement of teaching and learning. The AVPAA also provides institutional leadership for the responsible and effective integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging educational technologies across academic programs.

Working closely with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Deans, and other academic leaders, the AVPAA plays a central role in strengthening institutional effectiveness, advancing accreditation goals, and fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and integrity aligned with international standards and best practices.

The AVPAA serves as a key institutional steward for academic policies, faculty performance systems, accreditation readiness, and AI-related academic practices, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, accreditor expectations (including WSCUC), and the university’s strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and coordinate institution-wide academic quality assurance processes, including program review, learning outcomes assessment, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee the development and monitoring of academic quality standards across colleges and programs.

• Ensure consistency, rigor, and integrity in curriculum design, delivery, and assessment.

• Support Deans and academic units in identifying quality gaps and implementing improvement actions.

Accreditation & Institutional Effectiveness

• Support the VPAA and Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE) in institutional and programmatic accreditation efforts, including WSCUC.

• Coordinate with OIE preparation of accreditation self-studies, reports, and site visits.

• Ensure systematic collection, analysis, and use of academic data required for accreditation.

• Promote shared responsibility and accreditation literacy across academic leadership and faculty.

Faculty Development & Teaching Excellence

• Provide strategic leadership for faculty development initiatives related to pedagogy, assessment, advising, and instructional innovation.

• Collaborate closely with the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Innovation (TELI) to align faculty development with institutional priorities.

• Support professional development pathways for faculty at all ranks.

• Promote a culture of reflective teaching, innovation, and student-centered learning.

Faculty Evaluation, Promotion & Performance

• Oversee and continuously improve faculty evaluation and promotion systems.

• Provide guidance to Deans and department leaders on annual reviews, reappointment, and merit processes.

• Ensure faculty performance expectations are fair, transparent, and aligned with institutional and accreditation standards.

• Support leadership training on effective evaluation and performance management.

Artificial Intelligence & Academic Innovation

• Provide institutional leadership for the responsible, ethical, and pedagogically sound integration of AI across curricula, assessment, and academic support functions.

• Develop and oversee university-wide academic guidelines and policies governing AI use in teaching, learning, and assessment, in collaboration with faculty, IT, Legal, and academic governance bodies.

• Ensure AI implementation supports student learning outcomes, academic integrity, accessibility, and equity.

• Partner with TELI to design and deliver faculty development programs focused on AI literacy and instructional design.

• Monitor emerging AI trends and advise senior academic leadership on opportunities, risks, and adoption strategies.

• Ensure AI-related academic practices are clearly documented and defensible for accreditation review.

Academic Policy & Governance Support

• Coordinate the development, revision, and implementation of academic policies and procedures.

• Ensure academic policies are clearly documented, consistently applied, and aligned with international norms and local regulatory requirements.

• Support shared governance processes by providing analysis, guidance, and data to academic committees.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the VPAA on academic policy, governance, and risk mitigation.

Strategic Planning & Academic Operations

• Support implementation of the academic components of the university’s strategic plan.

• Contribute to academic planning related to enrollment growth, program development, staffing, and resource allocation.

• Collaborate with Deans and administrative units to align academic priorities with operational realities.

• Represent Academic Affairs on institutional committees and task forces as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Required Education: Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant field.

Years of Relevant Experience: 8 or more years of experience including leadership in faculty development, curriculum oversight, or academic affairs. Preferable experience includes previous role as college Dean or Assistant VP.

Skills:

1. Strong knowledge of curriculum design, learning outcomes assessment, and accreditation standards
2. Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills in an academic environment
3. Ability to work collaboratively across colleges and academic units
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
5. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
6. Ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines in a complex institution

#LI - REMOT

Why AUIB?

Diversity and Inclusivity: At AUIB, we champion diversity and inclusivity in every aspect of campus life. Our vibrant community is a tapestry of cultures, ideas, and dreams, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone through fair and equal policies.

Competitive Benefits: AUIB offers competitive salaries, comprehensive health plans, and generous leave policies, ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our staff.

Professional Development: With numerous opportunities for career progression and professional development, AUIB is the ideal place to enhance your skills and advance your career.

A Thriving Community: Our expatriate faculty and staff enjoy comfortable on-campus accommodations, and a vibrant campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an expansive library, modern classrooms, and recreational amenities.

A Legacy of Excellence: Situated in Baghdad, AUIB is dedicated to reviving the city’s historic legacy of learning and culture. Joining AUIB means being part of a prestigious project envisioned by prominent figures in business, government, and education.

Application Requirements:

To be considered for any role at the American University of Iraq—Baghdad (AUIB), applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• Cover letter: Detail how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the position you are applying for.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Provide an up-to-date resume or CV.
• Identification: A valid national ID or passport is required for the application process.

Please note that applications missing any of these components will not be considered.

Candidates Shortlisted for an Interview:

If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will need to provide additional documentation:

• Educational transcripts and certifications must be translated into English.
• References: Provide contact details for three references who have either worked with you or supervised your work.